Thank you for your interest in the Jonathan Drescher Recovery Coach Training Scholarship program.

Candidates must be referred by a qualified Recovery professional and must comply with all scholarship application requirements.
This Scholarship covers the cost* of 50 Hrs of RCU Training required for CRPA Certification in NYS.

This scholarship is intended only for those not yet gainfully employed in the field of Peer/Recovery Support.
This Training Scholarship is valued at $1055 and covers specific, approved, foundational training only.

 Jonathan Drescher Recovery Memorial Fund
RCU Training Scholarship

Jonathan Edward Drescher, June 3, 1990 - February 6, 2021

and his “Mama”, Lori Drescher, Founder, Recovery Coach University (RCU)

Jonathan Drescher succumbed to his addiction with a fatal fentanyl overdose on February 6, 2021. He was 30. In his final year of life Jon spent most of his time working at a treatment agency and sober house helping guys find and keep their recovery, one day at a time. After his passing I received countless letters from individuals he supported describing the impact Jon had on their lives and on their recovery. We established this memorial fund to help individuals like Jon obtain the training needed for certification and employment working in the capacity of Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) by providing purpose for the Peer Advocate and unconditional recovery support to the individual. Jonathan’s legacy of helping others helps fuel our mission at RCU - and personally gives me a renewed sense of purpose. #hisnameisJon ~ Lori Drescher

Note: Only individuals striving to achieve their CRPA Certification and obtain new employment as a Peer Recovery Professional are eligible; this scholarship covers the required 50 Hours for CRPA ‘foundational’ training only. Recovery Coach University (RCU) “CRPA Training” Scholarships valued at $1055 are awarded based on total application completeness, quality of responses, and demonstrated financial need. This includes the scholarship application and three essays, two letters of reference, appropriateness/readiness for training, and experience/connection to recovery. Candidates will agree to share their lived experience in recovery with those they serve, agree to apply for NYCB CRPA Certification, and strive to obtain Peer Recovery Advocate employment. We encourage leaders in the Recovery Community to refer/sponsor an individual you believe is a qualified and deserving candidate whom you agree to support in the application process as well as establishing an internship for acquiring the 500 hours required for full CRPA Certification.

The Fine Print:
Candidates must agree to classroom working agreements and policies including laptop (not phone) participation with video capability, wifi, and privacy. You must agree to full class attendance and be prepared for each day (pre-work is required.) *Candidates are responsible for purchasing their own participant materials via Amazon ($80-$100) for two of the required RCU workshops: 30 Hr. CCAR Recovery Coach Academy and 16 Hr. CCAR Ethics workshops as well as NYCB Certification and Exam fees ($180.) Beginning in 2022 the scholarship also includes the 4 Hr. MSR Training (Medication Supported Recovery), now required for CRPA Certification (total scholarship value $1055.) Candidates must agree to the cancellation policy including fees for any necessary make-up hours/days due to a participant’s unforeseen circumstances (rare). Candidates must agree to follow through with a 500 Hr. Apprenticeship/Internship (candidate responsibility) and 6 months of continued development (register now for our Third Wednesday PLC.)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING:
Scholarship candidates must be referred by a professional in the recovery field (“sponsor”) who understands the Peer/RC role and vouches for the candidate’s readiness for the training and for Peer Recovery Support employment. Sponsor must be willing to support applicant in the application and training process as well as in obtaining an internship afterwards. The sponsor must be named on the application and provide one of the two required letters of reference. Please download and complete the Scholarship Application below (it is a fillable form and can be submitted electronically once completed.) Additionally, you may either download and send the Letter of Recommendation Template to your selected References (including referring “sponsor”), or simply share the link to this page and ask your References to complete the Template and send it to you. Incomplete applications and documentation will not be considered. Renewal and additional training for those currently employed will not be considered. Please send all required documentation in a single email to: RCUScholarship@gmail.com. Please patiently expect one to three weeks for Application and Reference Review. If your application is complete and you meet eligibility requirements you will be contacted to set up a brief interview with the scholarship administrator and the founder of RCU.